Death by hanging.....

[Norman Downs]

I have just downloaded the death certificate for my g.g.grandmother, Jane McLennan, m.s. McLean who died in Milton, Glasgow on 13 September 1860.

I was somewhat shocked to see that the cause of death was "hanging". It goes on to say, "as Certified by Andrew McLetchie Surgeon who saw deceased September 13th". Following that is written in different handwriting, "See P.F. report received 25 September 1860."

Presumably the "P.F." refers to the procurator fiscal. Since the death was registered on 14 September and according to the archives of Wylie & Lochhead, undertakers, the funeral took place on 15 September, this last note had to have been added to the record later.

Firstly, had RCEs not been introduced by this time? The note was written straight onto the record, and there does not appear to be a column at the side for notes.

Second, does anyone know if the PF's archives still exist, and is it possible to find out what the report said?

Lastly, I would like to let everyone know of the excellent service provided by the Glasgow University Archive Service who emailed me a transcript of the Wylie & Lochhead record a day and a half after I asked if they had any information.

Norman

[DavidWW]

Norman

Near certain that "P.F." refers to the Procurator Fiscal.

I'm unclear as to the exact date when such additional information was added via an RCE entry.

The original 1854 Act quite clearly refers to the requirement to maintain an RCE, but for corrections of errors, and I can imagine that it was not clear in the first few years that this could also refer to additional information deriving from a PF's report. There was a second amending act in 1860 but I can't see that it has anything relevant to this situation for an early death register entry.

The same situation refers to legitimation by subsequent marriage, where on very early register entries I've seen the annotation on the register entry itself.

It's unlikely but not impossible that the PF records have survived, - you need to check with The Mitchell and NAS. If the records are extant, however, you are likely to be disappointed, as they will simply show that the PF briefly confirmed the cause of death, possibly through confirmation of that fact via the services of another doctor, possibly not.

Davie

[Norman Downs]

Davie,

Thanks as ever for your helpful and knowledgable comments.

Norman

[DavidWW]

I've just come across the following excellent site..........

http://www.dundee.ac.uk/forensicmedicin ... r%20Fiscal

Davie

[Norman Downs]

Thanks for that Davie. Very interesting background material.

Norman

[N1772]

I interested to see if you found out any more about this, as Jane McLean is my great great great grandmother on my father side of the family.

[SarahND]

Hello N1772 and
Although this post is 9 years old, Norman still visits Talking Scot regularly, so he should see your post soon. If not, you could try sending him a private message.

All the best,
Sarah